The roads are pretty cool. The factory is great but they don't allow filming past the security gates so this is the best I could do.

Thanks to all for your interest in our little sports cars.

I can't get enough of them but knowing what they cost over in the US compared to what you get for less from Detroit I salute all of you who have bought a Lotus! You could have had a GT500 plus change but went for an Elise instead.

You never know when it may happen. I have particular model of Mustang that the owners tend to be fanatical about and was produced in similar numbers to the Elise. Despite the fact that I've driven the car 35,000 miles in the last 12 years (and at least a third of those were in SE Michigan), I have never encountered another one while driving my Mustang (but of course, when I'm driving some other car...)

And yet, a couple of months after I bought my Elise, I ended up pulling up next to another one at a stoplight in a random small town in South Jersey. Around here, there are not that many unusual or enthusiast cars. If you see another nice car, it's a Porsche, BMW or Benz. Both me and the other owner were quite surprised.

To OP: Neat Video. I've often wondered what it's like around the factory. Hope to get out to Hethel someday.

Great to see those local roads around Hethel again after so many years, I've been on that road a few times. Just curious as to what your highest speed was during that run and did I see some speed cameras along the way?

Interesting that I have a AA road atlas of Great Britain that I picked up over there a couple of years ago and Hethel is so small it's not even shown on the map and the scale is 3 miles to an inch.

EB, thanks for posting that. It looks like SOOOO much fun!!! If I may, can I ask how you'd recommend I get up to Hethel from Heathrow if I come for a visit this winter? Rental car? Train? Is there any lodging in Hethel or just in nearby Norwich?

When you say that there's no filming past the security gate, I'm a little confused as others have posted pix of the inside of the factory.

Ha! Glad someone noticed the pat on the dash. It was really nice to bring my car back home. Sentimental nonsense of course but my car and I have a special bond!

They're definitely pretty strict about photos in there, I have seen some of the production line but they must be officially approved shots or something. I've never seen any home video of the inside of the factory.

A pilgrimage to Hethel is great. There's use of the redeveloped test track too with the Lotus Driving Academy (highly recommend that) plus the Lotus Heritage centre is a treasure trove of historic F1 cars. Factory tour is great too. Best way would be to rent a car from the airport and drive up there (on the wrong side remember!) bring a satnav or rent one. Just remember the rental car can't corner at 100mph on your way home!

EB, thanks for posting that. It looks like SOOOO much fun!!! If I may, can I ask how you'd recommend I get up to Hethel from Heathrow if I come for a visit this winter? Rental car? Train? Is there any lodging in Hethel or just in nearby Norwich?

When you say that there's no filming past the security gate, I'm a little confused as others have posted pix of the inside of the factory.

I'd say just rent a car (find an Evora), once you're out of London it's not a bad drive. I went up there a little over a year ago - my brother lived near Heathrow and from there to Hethel and back was an easy day trip - although we didn't do the track day. I believe theres a B&B near the factory that people use.

As for pictures, you have to leave your camera at the gate. CTL does allow them though which is nice. There have been a few organized trips like Roberts from BRGs last year where they were allowed more access and cameras - they're the pics you've seen

Finally thanks to the OP for the vid, it's amazing how much of a location you can remember when you are excited to be there. I remember tearing up the roads vividly in a clapped out Mondeo rental - I soooo wanted to have a Lotus there

__________________
"People think I'm an idiot or something, because all I do is cut lawns for a living. People don't say that about you...as far as you know."

Thanks EB - very nice video! While it is winter here in Maryland it was 50 degrees and brilliant sunshine yesterday and today! Started yesterday with a ' cars and coffee' at dawn with several other Lotus . Met a freind and his CO Exige for a long blast among the rural roads of our state - a memorable day! I returned home only 20 hours ago but your video makes it feel like a month ago. I think the Evora needs another walk! Cheers!

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